Second Chance Matric Programme (SCMP), what is it?
This is an initiative by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) offering young people who have failed to meet the requirements of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) a second chance. The programme was piloted in 2016 and registration for participation was first opened to learners that attempted the NSC examinations in 2015.
Through this programme, the DBE supports learners in obtaining their school leaving qualification, i.e. the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or the Senior Certificate (Amended) for learners who are above the age of 21.
Why is this topic so important?
The (NSC) results have been formally released and while we share in celebrating the increasing number of young South Africans who pass the NSC, we are concerned about those who did not pass their matric or did not get the marks they hoped for.
We want to assure young people who did not pass their Grade 12 exams that a bright future can still be achieved.
What should learners do if they did not pass their matric? What options do they have?
Learners who did not meet NSC requirements should consider registering for the DBE’s SCMP. Candidates no longer write supplementary examinations like they did previously; they now register for the SCMP. For more details on how to register for the the programme and the application closing date, candidates should check the DBE website on this link: https://www.education.gov.za/Programmes/SecondChanceProgramme.aspx
What does a learner need in order to register for the second chance matric programme?
To register for the SCMP, a learner needs:
- A certified copy of the Identity Document (ID);
- A certified copy of their matric certificate or statement of results.
- If a learner has passed Grade 9 (minimum requirement), then they should provide their Grade 9, or 10 or 11 report.
What about learners who just want their examination scripts re-marked or re-checked?
Application forms for re-checking or re-marking of examination answer scripts are available for learners from their school or district offices in their province (all instructions appear on the reverse side of the Statement of Results).
The closing date is 22 January 2020 for both manual applications and for online applications. There are fees required for these applications and they are as follows:
Fees for re-marking and re-checking per subject:
Re-mark: R112.00
Re-check: R27.00
Viewing of scripts may only be done after a re-mark or re-check of results. The closing date for applications is 7 days after release of the re-mark or re-check results. The fee for viewing is R219.00
Candidates from no-fee schools and learners whose parents have applied and have been granted a concession on the payment of school fees, are exempted from payment of re-checking and re-marking fees.
Learners need to always keep in mind that not being able to achieve the marks/ results they have aimed for; does not necessarily mean the end of the world. There are always options to navigate and articulate from where they are to where they want to be. The journey may not seem straight and smooth as anticipated, however always keep in mind that all the experiences you come across are there to assist you as building blocks to your career development.
If you want to call DBE directly refer to the contact details below:
Telephone: 0800 202 933
Email: Callcentre@dbe.gov.za
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/BasicEd/
Twitter: @DBE_SA
Compiled by: Ntsoaki Kala